How to Use Essential Oils – Aromatherapy Skin Care

Posted on by KG Stiles

HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS ~ AROMTHERAPY SKIN CARE
by KG Stiles, LMT, RBT, CBP, CAT

First, please remember that essential oils should never be applied neat (undiluted) to your skin. There are absolutely NO exceptions to this! This includes the soles of your feet or palms of your hands. When using oils neat for inhalation purposes please exercise care and dispense your oils on a tissue or cotton ball for direct inhalation.

AROMATHERAPY SKIN CARE METHODS FOR FACIAL CLEANSING AND CELLULAR RENEWAL:

FACIAL STEAM ~ As part of a deep cleansing routine disperse 3 to 5 drops of essential oil in a teaspoon of milk or honey and mix into a pint of steaming hot water.

Pour this “HOT” mixture into a stainless steel mixing bowl and lean with your face forward, over the bowl being sure to cover your head with a towel to catch the steam on your face.

Breathe in the steam and relax, enjoying your facial steam until the waters cool.

Or you may use your oils in a facial steamer.

PLEASE NOTE: Essential oils are not water soluble you must use a dispersant when adding them to a facial steam or bath. Water may cause the oils to penetrate your system more quickly or cause irritation to sensitive or damaged skin, i.e. blemishes, sores or rash.

FACIAL MASQUE ~ Add 2-3 drops of essential oils to moistened clay, honey, mashed avocado, or egg white.

Dampen your face lightly and apply your facial masque. Leave on for 10-15 minutes until your masque begins to dry and harden slightly.

Wash your facial masque thoroughly off your face. Your face will look and feel more toned, fresh and hydrated. Repeat once a week for healthy and toned skin!

FACIAL OIL BLEND ~ Add up to 10 drops of essential oil blend, depending upon your skin type, to one ounce of your favorite carrier oil. I prefer Certified Organic Filtered and Unscented Jojoba oil which is most like your skin’s own natural sebum.

Frankincense and Lavender are good for all skin types. German Chamomile is excellent for sensitive skin. Rose is wonderful for mature skin, as is Frankincense.

Apply your facial oil blend lightly to target areas for intensive therapy to nourish and heal facial skin.

SKIN BRUSHING ~ Invigorates your skin, and stimulates your lymphatic system.

Apply 1 drop of (lavender, frankincense, rose or geranium – all are excellent for skin care) in 1 Tablespoon of honey and apply mixture to your natural bristle skin brush and brush your skin.

Make sure your gentle, yet brisk brush strokes are upward, toward your heart. Brush your entire body from the tips of your toes and fingers to the top of your shoulders. Include the front and back sides of your body as you breathe deeply.

Enjoy the wonderful tingling sensations dancing across your skin. Always be sure to work from your extremities upwards, toward your heart. Gently, yet briskly, cover your entire body, omitting your face and neck in the process of this cleansing and uplifting ritual. Skin brushing is especially effective just before you shower.